Inflatable placemat

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an inflatable placemat that functions as a portable sanitary eating area for infants, children or adults with special needs. The inflatable placemat comprises a cavity for food serving and can be secured to a tabletop or a non-porous planar surface by suction cups or similar means. The inflatable placemat further comprises a skirt that folds over the edge of the tabletop for sanitary purposes and creates an additional layer of protection between a user and the edge of a tabletop.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/289,774 filed on Feb. 1, 2016, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an inflatable placemat that is suitable for use with children.

BACKGROUND

Placemats are often used to protect tabletops from watermarks, food stains and/or heat damage during food consumption. However, traditional placemats do not deter infants, small children or individuals with special needs from manipulating the position of a placemat on a tabletop such that they themselves and/or food comes in direct contact with the tabletop and/or sides of the table resulting in exposure to residual germs on these surfaces. Therefore, a placemat that remains fixed is necessary.

A placemat covering edges of a table, i.e., a top, sides and bottom of the table is critical to obtain a sanitary eating area. Further, it has also been observed that young children and those individuals with special needs can be very restless and can bump their heads or other vulnerable parts of their body against the sharp edges of the table or the table itself. Another potential hazard results from children trying to chew on a table edge.

Accordingly, a placemat that covers the top surface and edge(s) of a tabletop is needed. Additionally, the placemat must have means to secure the placemat to the tabletop and also provide protection to a child. Such an article may aid in providing a sanitary environment, especially for children, infants and those with special needs during food consumption. There are many placemats available to consumers but none that provide a unique solution to the aforementioned problems with a single placemat.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an inflatable placemat that is portable and placed and secured on a tabletop or any non-porous planar surface. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide an inflatable placemat comprising a compartment for holding items and a skirt. The skirt is foldable and can be used to cover an edge of a tabletop or non-porous planar surface on which the inflatable placemat is placed. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the skirt is inflatable. The skirt may be inflatable concurrent with or separately inflatable to the inflatable placemat.

Embodiments disclosed herein are further directed to a plurality of suction cups enabling the securing of the inflatable placemat to a non-porous planar surface or tabletop. The embodiments of the present invention provide for additional attachment areas in the form of reinforced holes enabling attachment of external articles, such as toys.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are directed to an inflatable placemat having at least one compartment and a skirt placed over a surface, the inflatable placemat comprising an attachment area to attach one or more objects to the inflatable placemat and attachment means to attach the inflatable placemat to a surface. The inflatable placemat further includes a skirt that is foldable over an edge of a surface.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention are further directed to an inflatable placemat placed over a surface, the inflatable placemat comprising at least one compartment, a foldable skirt, an attachment area located on a perimeter edge of the inflatable placemat to attach one or more objects to the inflatable placemat and an attachment means comprising a suction cup to secure the inflatable placemat to a surface. In addition, the attachment means is not limited to a suction cup but can comprise at least one snap, hook and loop fastener, adhesive, suction cup or like means. The foldable skirt is designed to rest on any surface and can be folded over the edge of a surface. After use, the inflatable placemat can be deflated, folded and stored.

Yet other embodiments in accordance with the present invention are directed to an inflatable placemat placed over a surface, the inflatable placemat comprising a compartment, a foldable skirt, an attachment area including at least one reinforced hole to which securing means are attached, and an attachment means to secure the inflatable placemat to a surface. The foldable skirt is foldable over an edge of the surface.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the skirt of the inflatable placemat is inflatable so as to provide additional support, cushioning and a layer of protection when folded over an edge of a surface. In further embodiments of the present invention, the surface of the inflatable skirt comprises at least one pleat to assist and make it easier for a user to fold and/or bend the inflatable skirt over the edge of a surface. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one pleat is parallel to the edge of a surface. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the at least one pleat may be configured on the inflatable skirt in any manner to accommodate a variety of surfaces and surface edges.

In another embodiment, the compartment of the inflatable placemat provides a sanitary area for serving food.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the inflatable placemat may also use Velcro instead of, or in addition to, suction cups such that the placemat is secured to a tabletop or any non-porous surface.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.

The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the embodiments disclosed herein, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an inflatable placemat in an inflated state with an inlet coupled with a stopper according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an inflatable placemat in a deflated state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate different views of the inflatable placemat in an inflated state folded over an edge of a surface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side views of the inflatable placemat in an inflated state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the inflatable placemat being secured to a non-porous surface using a suction cup according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A to 6E illustrate different views of the inflatable placemat in an inflated state with an elongated edge folded over the edge of a tabletop and the inflatable placemat being secured to both the tabletop and the tabletop edge using suction cups according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate the inflatable placemat in an inflated state being secured to a tabletop using suction cups according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a bottom surface of the inflatable placemat with suction cups attached according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a reinforced hole on at least one edge of the inflatable placemat to enable attachment of toys and other articles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

While embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example using several illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize the present invention is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the present invention to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, the present invention is to cover all modification, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide an inflatable placemat that is placed on a tabletop or any non-porous planar surface. The inflatable placemat includes an inflatable skirt that can be folded over an edge of the tabletop, and one or more suction cups on the bottom surface for securing the placement to the tabletop. As used herein, the terms “surface” and “face” are interchangeable.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable placemat 100 in an inflated state having a plurality of compartments 101. FIG. 1 also depicts the inflatable placemat 100 wherein the skirt 102 is inflated and foldable. Hereinafter, the skirt 102 can also be interchangeably referred to as “the foldable skirt 102”. The skirt 102 also includes at least one pleat 103. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the at least one pleats 103 creates a tubular shape. FIG. 1 depicts an inflatable placemat 100 having three compartments 101. The inflatable placemat 100 of FIG. 1 further includes four parallel pleats 103 on the skirt 102. In alternative embodiments, the placement of the pleats 103 may create alternate shapes, such as polygonal, conical, and so forth. The at least one compartment 101 can be of varying sizes, shapes and colors and is typically used for, but not limited to, serving food. The inflated placemat is designed to be flexible and cover an edge of a tabletop or a non-porous surface. Further, the inflated placemat 101 provides a cushioning effect when placed over the edge of a table or like surface with the skirt 102 providing an added layer of protection against any potential physical shock targeted at the edge of a table top or like surface. The inflatable placemat 100 also includes an inlet 104 with a detachable stopper (not shown). The inlet 104 may be placed at any location on the placemat 100. The inflatable placemat 100 may be further inflated or deflated by using any mechanical or electrical air pump that includes a nozzle fitting the inlet 103.

Though, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the compartments 101 are provided on a single face of the inflatable placemat 100, in other embodiments, the compartments may be provided on both faces of the inflatable placemat 100.

In some embodiments, the inflatable placemat 100 is secured to a surface through at least one suction cup provided on a face of the inflatable placemat 100 (not shown). The suction cups may be placed anywhere on the inflatable placement including but not limited to the perimeter edge 105 of the inflatable placemat 100 to attach and secure the inflatable placemat 100 to the top of a surface. In another embodiment of the present invention, when the inflatable placemat 100 is folded over an edge of a surface, a suction cup attached to the skirt 102 may be used to secure the inflatable placemat 100 to the underside of the surface.

In some embodiments, the inflatable placemat 100 further comprises an attachment area connected with a toy strap (not shown). The attachment area may be provided on at least one edge 105 of the inflatable placemat 100. The attachment area may be in the form of a reinforced hole to which the toy strap or any similar article may be attached. The reinforced hole may be reinforced by an additional plastic member to prevent detachment of the toy strap from the inflatable placemat 100 due to any force applied on the toy (not shown). Further, the attachment area provides additional functionalities to the inflatable placemat 100 for a consumer who may wish to decorate the inflatable placemat 100 or simply hold any article.

FIG. 2 illustrates an inflatable placemat 200 in a deflated state having multiple compartments 201 and a skirt 202. The skirt 202 is configured to be foldable over an edge of a surface. The inflatable placemat 200, when in an inflated state, takes the form of the inflatable placemat 100. The inflatable placemat comprises at least one compartment 201 for serving food. The at least one compartment 201, being more visually pronounced when the inflatable placemat 200 is inflated, can be of varying sizes, shapes and colors. The skirt 202 comprises at least one pleat 203 so that the skirt when inflated can be easily folded over the edge of a surface without compromising or distorting the inflatable placemat. FIG. 2 illustrates horizontal pleats 203 creating tubular shapes which adds to a cushioning effect against external impacts, thereby improving an overall support and stability of the inflatable placemat 200 on a tabletop or a non-porous surface. The inflatable placement 200 also includes an inlet 204 with a detachable stopper (not shown). The inlet 204 can be placed at any location on the inflatable placemat 200. The inflatable placemat 200 can be inflated by the injection of any fluid, such as air, pressurized gas, and so forth, using any mechanical or electrical air pump whose nozzle fits the inlet 204.

The skirt 202 is foldable over the edge of a surface. In some embodiments, the inflatable placemat include attachment means to secure the placemat 200 to a surface. Attachment means may be, but not limited to, suction cups, Velcro straps and the like and can be located anywhere on the inflatable placemat.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate an inflatable placemat 300 in an inflated state being placed on a semi-transparent and non-porous planar surface with an inflated skirt 302, having multiple pleats 303 being folded over the edge of the planar surface.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C depict top perspective views of the inflatable placemat 300 in an inflated state, with the compartments 301, the inflatable skirt 302, and skirt pleats 303 being more pronounced.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show the inflatable placemat 300 in an inflated state placed on a table 305, with an inflated skirt 302 having at least one pleat 303 folded over the edge of the table 305. The inflatable placemat 300 includes at least one compartment 301. The arrangement of the pleats 303, as shown in FIG. 3C, create several tubular shapes. When the inflatable placemat 300 is inflated, the pleats 303 can be arranged to create the shape of any three-dimensional shape that adds to a cushioning effect against external impacts and improve overall stability to the inflatable placemat. The inflatable placemat 300 can be inflated by the injection of fluid, such as air, pressurized gas, and so forth.

FIG. 3D shows the inflatable placemat 300 in an inflated state with the inflatable skirt 302 having a plurality of pleats 303 folded over the edge of a table 305. The arrangement of the pleats 303 creates a tubular shape. The inflatable placemat 300 further includes an inlet 304 with a detachable stopper (not shown). The inflatable placemat 300 can be inflated by the injection of any fluid, such as air, pressurized gas, and so forth, using any mechanical or electrical air pump whose nozzle fits the inlet 304.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an inflatable placemat 400 in an inflatable state being secured to a tabletop 406 using at least one suction cup 404. The inflatable placemat 400 may be similar to any of the inflatable placemats illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3A. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an inflatable placemat 400 having at least one compartment 401 and an inflatable skirt 402. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the inflatable placemat 400 being placed on a table 406 with the inflatable skirt 402 folded over the edge of the tabletop 406. The inflatable skirt 402 comprises at least one pleat 403 resulting in a tubular shape on the inflatable skirt. The pleats 403 may be arranged in alternative configurations resulting in various shapes on the placemat 400. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a suction cup 404 placed along each perimeter edge 405 of the inflatable placemat 400 which are pressed against the tabletop 406. The perimeter edges 405 may be non-inflatable. Therefore, the perimeter edges 405 are depicted as flat members in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Further, the perimeter edges 405 may also provide additional sealing to the inflatable placemat 400 to prevent escape of injected fluid, gas and/or air.

In some embodiments, at least one suction cup 404 may be placed anywhere on the inflatable placement, including but not limited to the inflatable skirt 402. In yet other embodiments, at least one suction cup 404 may be placed in any suitable configuration that secures the inflatable placemat 400 to the tabletop 406 in a robust manner. Additional suction cups may be placed in a suitable configuration under the inflatable skirt 402 to secure the inflatable skirt 402 to the edge of the tabletop 406. In some embodiments, the skirt 402 may be folded along the edge of the tabletop 406 such that the suction cups 404 secure the skirt 402 to the underside of the tabletop 406.

FIG. 5 illustrates a suction cup 501 attached to a perimeter edge 502 of an inflatable placemat 500. The inflatable placemat 500 may be similar to any of the inflatable placemats illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3A and 4A. The suction cup 501 secures the inflatable placemat 500 to a surface 503. In some embodiments, the surface 503 may be planar and non-porous.

According to an embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 5, one or more such suction cups 501 are placed along the perimeter edges 502 of the inflatable placemat 500. The inflatable placemat 500 is secured to a tabletop 503 by pressing the suction cups 501 against the tabletop 503. The inflatable placemat 500 is secured not only along the perimeter edges 502 of the inflatable placemat 500, as shown in FIG. 5, but also along an elongated edge (not shown) that covers the edge of the table 503. This ensures that any attempt to move the inflatable placemat would require an effort beyond the scope of a child or an infant. This is to prevent any child or infant to tamper with the inflatable placemat.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D illustrate an inflatable placemat 600 in an inflated state with an inflated a skirt 602 having a plurality of pleats 603 that covers an edge 607 of a table 606. The inflatable placemat 600 may be similar to any of the inflatable placemats illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3A, 4A and 5. FIG. 6A illustrates an inflatable placemat 600 secured to both the top 608 and edge 607 of the table 606, by suction cups 605 attached thereto.

FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate perspective views of the inflatable placemat 600 in an inflated state secured to a to a table 606 with suction cups 605, with the inflatable skirt 602 having a plurality of pleats 603, secured to the edge 607 of the table 606.

In an embodiment, the inflatable placemat 600 having at least one compartment 601 can also be secured on the table 606 by at least one suction cup 605.

FIG. 6E shows another perspective view of the inflatable placemat 600 in an inflated state, having at least one compartment 601 and an inflatable skirt 602 having a plurality of pleats 603 being secured to the table 606 using corresponding suction cups 605. The inflatable placemat 600 is secured to the top 608 and the edge 607 using multiple suction cups 602 placed along at least one perimeter edge of the inflatable placemat 600. The inflatable placemat further includes at least one compartment 601 for the purpose of serving food, with the inflatable skirt 602 including a plurality of pleats 603, folded to cover the edge 607 of the table 606. The inflatable placement in an inflated state provides a cushioning effect against any potential physical shock targeted at the edge 607. A child or infant is offered additional protection against injuries due to accidental bumps against the edge 607 of the table 606. The at least one compartment 601 provides for a sanitary eating area. The invention can encompass different configurations of compartments 601 providing different options to consumers. The at least one compartment 601 of the placemat 600 may be of varying shapes, sizes, numbers or colors, the function of which includes, but is not limited to, the serving of food. Such variety in configurations of the at least one compartment 601 may contribute to the appeal of the product among children or infants who constitute a majority of potential users.

FIG. 7A depicts a side view of an inflatable placemat 700 in an inflated state placed on a non-porous planar surface 705 with the perimeter edge 704 of the inflatable placemat 700 being secured to the surface of the table 705 by at least one suction cup 701. FIG. 7B shows another side view of the inflatable placemat 700 in an inflated state, secured to the non-porous planar surface 705 by at least one suction cup 701. The inflatable placemat 700 further includes an attachment area 702 connected with a toy strap 703. The attachment area 702 may be provided on at least one edge 704 of the inflatable placemat 700. In some embodiments, the attachment area 702 is in the form of a reinforced hole to which the toy strap 703 or any similar article may be attached. The reinforced hole may be reinforced by an additional plastic member to prevent detachment of the toy strap 703 from the inflatable placemat 700 due to any force applied on the toy (not shown). Further, the attachment area 702 provides additional functionalities to the inflatable placemat 700 for a consumer who may wish to decorate the inflatable placemat 700 or simply hold any article.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the inflatable placemat 700 is designed to be portable. After use, the inflatable placemat can be deflated and easily folded into a travel bag or any suitable container for ease of travel and storage. Facilities to attach toys, toy straps or similar articles add further to the appeal of the inflatable placemat 700 to children or infants and may also be useful in the prevention of misplacing toys.

In another embodiment of the present invention, cutlery, for the purpose of consuming food, may also be attached to the attachment area 702 via the straps 703. Articles that can be attached to the attachment area 702 are not limited to toys and cutlery alone. The attachment area 702 may also use Velcro, an adhesive or any other fixing mechanism to attach articles.

FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the inflatable placemat 700 being secured to a non-porous planar surface by suction cups 701. The suction cups 701 are placed on opposite edges 704 of the inflatable placemat 701.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a bottom surface of an inflatable placemat 800 with multiple suction cups 801. In the illustrated embodiment, three such suction cups 801 are provided on an edge 802 of the inflatable placemat 800 for securing the inflatable placemat 800 to both the top and edge of a table. The suction cups 801 are generally made of a flexible material with a curved surface. When each suction cup 801 is pressed against a non-porous planar surface, the volume between the suction cup 801 and the planar surface is reduced causing any residual fluid to be driven out. A pressure difference develops between the inside and outside of the suction cup 801, securing the suction cup 801 to the planar surface. Once external pressure on the suction cup 801 is removed, the suction cup 801 retains its original curved shape. So long as a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the suction cup 801 is maintained, the inflatable placemat 800 is secured to the non-porous planar surface. This is a mechanism that deters children from tampering with the position of the inflatable placemat 800 on a tabletop or any non-porous planar surface.

FIG. 9 illustrates an inflatable placemat 900 comprising an attachment area 901. The attachment area 901 may be located on an edge 904 of the inflatable placemat 900. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment area 901 includes a reinforced hole 905 to which a strap 902 is attached. The strap 902 may include one or more subdivisions coupled through one or more securing means 906. In some embodiments, the one or more securing means 906 may be, but not limited to, button fasteners, Velcro and so forth. The securing means 906 may secure the strap 902 to the attachment area 901 and an article, such as a toy.

The reinforced hole 905 may be reinforced by at least one reinforcing member 908 to prevent detachment of the strap 902 from the inflatable placemat 900. The at least one reinforcing member 908 may be made of plastic or any other suitable material. Further, the reinforced hole 905 is depicted as having a circular shape. However, in other embodiments, the reinforced hole 905 may have any other shape, for example, but not limited to, elliptical, polygonal, and so forth. This provides additional facilities to the inflatable placemat 900 for a consumer who may wish to decorate the inflatable placemat 900 or simply hold any article with the aid of the inflatable placemat 900. The inflatable placemat 900 is designed to be portable by deflating the same and packing it into a bag or container for the purpose of travel and storage. Facilities to attach toys or toy straps add further to the appeal of the inflatable placemat 900 to children or infants and may also be useful in the prevention of misplacing toys. Further, cutlery, for the purpose of consuming food, may also be attached to the attachment area 901, via straps 902 or like means. Articles that can be attached to the straps 902 are not limited to toys and cutlery alone. In addition, the attachment area 901 may additionally or alternatively include Velcro, an adhesive or any suitable fixing mechanism to attach the strap 902 to the inflatable placemat 900. The strap 902 may similarly include Velcro, an adhesive or any suitable fixing mechanism for attachment with the articles. FIG. 9 further shows a toy 903 being attached to the strap 902.

The invention is not exclusive to the description of embodiments above. Other related embodiments may be derived in accordance with the principles of the invention described above. Changes within the scope of current invention may be implemented by people skilled in the art.

Suction cups may be additionally supported by Velcro straps in order to better secure the placemat to a tabletop or a non-porous planar surface. Additionally, the fluid inlet with a stopper can be placed anywhere on the placemat. The inflatable placemat as described by various embodiments of the invention in the preceding paragraphs can be deflated and packed into a bag or a container, thereby facilitating its portability. The inflatable placemat can be inflated by the injection of a fluid by any mechanical or electrical pumps that have nozzles fitting the fluid inlet. The fluid used can be air, pressurized gas or any viscous liquid. However, air or pressurized gas would be preferred since air-inflatable placemats described according to various embodiments of the present invention are lighter than when filled with non-gaseous fluids. Lighter inflatable placemats are more beneficial to the target consumer group which comprises of children or infants and aids in portability. Accordingly, the placemat can be manufactured with any plastic material commercially used in inflatable products. Further, the inflatable placemat may be made of a non-toxic and food grade material that can be safely used for serving food. Moreover, the material may be easily cleaned.

The placemat is not limited to rectangular shapes and can be manufactured in any shape or size. Appeal to children or infants, is enhanced with the offering of the present invention in a variety of colors to choose from.

The exemplary embodiments of this present invention have been described in relation to placemats. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention. Specific details are set forth by use of the embodiments to provide an understanding of the present invention. It should however be appreciated that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific embodiments set forth herein.

A number of variations and modifications of the present invention can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the present invention without providing others.

The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect.

Moreover, though the description of the present invention has included the description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An inflatable placemat, comprising: a compartment for holding items; and a skirt attached to the inflatable placement, said skirt foldable over an edge of a surface.
 2. The inflatable placemat of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of compartments.
 3. The inflatable placemat of claim 1 further comprising a perimeter edge having an attachment area to secure an object to the inflatable placemat.
 4. The inflatable placemat of claim 1 further comprising an attachment device selected from the group consisting of a snap, hook and loop fastener, adhesive and suction cup for securing the inflatable placemat.
 5. The inflatable placemat of claim 1, wherein the skirt is inflatable.
 6. The inflatable placemat of claim 1, wherein the compartment provides an area for serving food.
 7. The inflatable placemat of claim 1, wherein the inflatable placemat is foldable after deflation.
 8. The inflatable placemat of claim 3 wherein the attachment area further comprises a reinforced opening to secure one or more objects to the inflatable placemat.
 9. An inflatable placemat, comprising: a compartment for holding items; and an inflatable skirt attached to the inflatable placement, said inflatable skirt foldable over an edge of a surface.
 10. The inflatable placemat of claim 9 wherein the inflatable skirt further comprises a pleat.
 11. The inflatable placemat of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of compartments.
 12. The inflatable placemat of claim 9 further comprising a perimeter edge having an attachment area to secure an object to the inflatable placemat.
 13. The inflatable placemat of claim 9 further comprising an attachment device selected from the group consisting of a snap, hook and loop fastener, adhesive and a suction cap for securing the inflatable placemat.
 14. The inflatable placemat of claim 9, wherein the compartment provides an area for serving food.
 15. The inflatable placemat of claim 9, wherein the inflatable placemat is foldable after deflation.
 16. The inflatable placemat of claim 12 wherein the attachment area further comprises a reinforced opening to secure one or more objects to the inflatable placemat.
 17. An inflatable placemat comprising: a plurality of compartments for holding items; an inflatable skirt attached to the inflatable placemat, said inflatable skirt foldable over an edge of a surface; a perimeter edge having an attachment area comprising a reinforced opening to secure one or more objects to the inflatable placemat; and an attachment device to secure the inflatable placement.
 18. The inflatable placemat of claim 17, wherein the inflatable placemat is foldable after deflation.
 19. The inflatable placemat of claim 17 wherein the inflatable skirt further comprises at least one pleat.
 20. The inflatable placemat of claim 17 wherein the attachment device is selected from the group consisting of a snap, hook and loop fastener, adhesive and suction cup. 